Page 3913 - Week 13 - Wednesday, 1 December 2021
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have supported inclusive sporting activities, from the Roller Derby to Queer Zumba. We are building awareness of LGBTIQ issues within the ACT public service through initiatives such as pride in diversity and an ongoing program of awareness training across all directorates. This investment recognises that workplace inclusion is not only a good thing for community, but it in fact boosts productivity, engagement and belonging.
We have invested in data gathering to better understand the lived experiences of LGBTIQ+ Canberrans and to understand the barriers to equality. The Health Directorate has completed a scoping study to understand the barriers to accessing health services. We know this includes the administrative and financial burden of accessing services, experience of discrimination and having to educate healthcare providers on LGBTIQ+ issues. These experiences can lead people to feel like they cannot access health services or they will not access health services, which is an unacceptable situation.
The study provides information to help prioritise actions to support the health and wellbeing of LGBTIQ+ Canberrans. This is an important resource to inform ongoing work in this area. As part of our response to the study’s recommendations, we have allocated specific funding in the budget to partner with community members and experts to co-design a gender-focused health service. The co-design will explore models of care to support access to gender affirming care across the lifespan, from children to adults.
The ACT was the first jurisdiction to invest in the “writing themselves in 4” study conducted by researchers at La Trobe University. We now have comprehensive research into the health and wellbeing of more than 300 sexually and gender diverse young Canberrans. Through this we have learned not only about critical gaps but also what needs to be done for young people to be supported during their formative years.
The study has shown that 80 per cent of lesbian, gay, transgender, asexual and queer young people in Canberra were experiencing either high or very high levels of psychological distress during the study period. The study also found that 40 per cent of the young people surveyed had been verbally harassed in the year prior, and 57.2 per cent felt unsafe at school due to their sexuality.
The study also highlighted, though, where the ACT is seeing a really positive difference in school, with 66 per cent of students indicating they felt safe to openly identify their sexuality or gender identity at their secondary school, compared with only 52 per cent nationally. The study also indicated that 60 per cent of ACT students are using their chosen name or pronouns at secondary school, compared with just 41 per cent nationally.
Madam Speaker, these are not just numbers to skim over. This data is about real people, families and communities and their day-to-day experiences. We must recognise they are not reaching their full potential. Even with the supports we have in place now, they are still subjected to harm, to discrimination and to prejudice. This research should be a call to action for everyone.
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